Study Abroad

    During the Fall semester of 2025, I studied abroad in southern Spain, in the city of Seville. I chose Seville because of its rich cultural history and vibrant city, which stood out to me. It was my first time going abroad, so I was uncontrollably nervous, but deep down, I was really excited. Before departing, my expectations were overshadowed by worries of being homesick and traveling across the world by myself. The only expectation I had that was on my mind up until I landed in Spain was how different could it really be compared to what I’ve experienced before. However, when I arrived, I completely underestimated just how different and transformative this experience would be. 

    The aspect of Seville that surprised me the most was the daily lifestyle. The concept of time was completely different from what I had been accustomed to my entire life. On the first day I landed, my roommates and I decided to grab food since we were exhausted and hungry. We went to the closest restaurant we could find and sat at a table outside. After waiting nearly fifteen minutes for the waiter to take our order, we had to wave him down. At the time, I did not think much of it, but when it came time to pay the bill, it became clear that dining operated differently here. This was my first real encounter with Spanish social norms. Meals were eaten much later and were never rushed. There were no strict schedules, people filled the streets late into the night, and restaurants remained open close to midnight. Adjusting to this new way of living was initially difficult because it felt unfamiliar and even slightly uncomfortable. However once I embraced the slower pace, I began to appreciate living in the moment more than I ever have. 

    During my time abroad, I interned at the Cruz Roja, working alongside local Sevillanos. Adjusting to the team was initially difficult because they had already formed close relationships with one another. Within my first month, I began participating in several community outreach projects, and one event in particular introduced me to people who welcomed me and made me feel more comfortable than they will ever know. We were collecting school supplies at a supermarket for children from low-income families. I arrived with my supervisor and met two older women who were volunteering to support their community and, in their words, “for fun.” Meeting new people in a foreign country was nerve-racking, and it was difficult to strike up conversation, especially when they spoke in fast paced Spanish. Luckily, they were far from timid. I felt an overwhelming sense of relief when they spoke to me like a friend and reassured me to be confident. This interaction made me realize that I needed to step further out of my comfort zone to truly immerse myself in the culture and create meaningful connections. 

    My biggest takeaway from this experience was independence. Navigating a new country forced me to rely on myself in ways I never had before. Figuring out public transportation, communicating in a different language, or handling unexpected challenges without support from my family, I learned to trust my own judgment. I also learned how to step outside of my comfort zone and truly live in the moment. Instead of overthinking every interaction, I began embracing uncertainty and I became more adaptable and open-minded. These are skills I would not have developed to the same extent had I not studied abroad. These skills will shape how I approach professional opportunities and personal challenges in the future. 

    My future goal is to work in a clinical setting in a big city helping the most vulnerable populations. Beyond academics, my time abroad taught me cultural adaptability, resilience, and staying open-minded to new perspectives of the world. As I move forward in my education and career, I will apply these skills to help others who don't speak the same language as me because I understand what that feels like. I will be able to navigate unpredictable situations and rely on my judgment to efficiently complete tasks. This experience not only shaped who I am personally, but also strengthened the kind of healthcare professional I hope to become.